“Choir helps you boost up your confidencee… (it) helps you connect with different people,” Valerie said.
The Performing Arts Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathway is a two-year program in which students hone their singing and musical abilities while fostering positive, professional relationships with their peers and the community. Students often travel and perform for various audiences.
Kevin Corridan, principal at Rubidoux High, has noted the significant impact choir and band have on students.
“We have a few students that oftentimes, on campus, are not quite as vocal but you put them on stage and they just come out," Mr. Corridan said.
“I feel like singing is just helpful and calming,” said Trianna Sihavong, a Rubidoux High School senior.
Trianna has participated in the program for several years and finds that the Performing Arts Pathway offers her many opportunities.
“It’s really nice to go out and sing for senior homes and veterans,” Trianna said.
Students learn more than music in the pathway. Many of the skills they learn “have nothing to do with music. It has everything to do with life, kindness, love, and hard work,” Rubidoux High School Director of Choral Music, Jeffery Lin said.
“All the hard work together, time, and travel is worth it seeing the audience's reactions,” Mr. Lin said.
Senior Jonathan Flores is interested in pursuing a music career as a band instructor. This pathway has provided insight and allowed him to practice this role by being a brass captain in band.
“Becoming a leader and having that… skill is important in order for me to do the job. It helps me learn how to instruct and even teach,” Jonathan said. “Having a passion for leading, having a passion for learning is one of the most important things that I can learn here.”
Junior Sheccid Xochitiotzi plays the flute for the wind ensemble and wants to study musical performance.
“When I started playing I was like ‘Oh my gosh, this is what I want to do, this is what I was born for',” Scheccid said.
Sarah Choi, Rubidoux High School’s Director of Instrumental Music and Color Guard, worked with Mr. Lin to create the Performing Arts Pathway. They consistently worked together to ensure students’ schedules allowed them to take both programs if interested.
“All the skills and all the values that they (the students) are going to pick up just by virtue of being a part of a CTE course like this, regardless of whatever they do next after high school, they’re going to be able to take all of that with them.” Ms. Choi said.
